Evann Guessand hasn’t played for Palace since early April, when he was withdrawn against Fiorentina with a knee injury. The loan signing from Villa, which is reportedly nailed on to be made permanent at the end of the season, has been a handy addition to Oliver Glasner’s squad.
In January, Guessand pushed for the move to South London, after he opted to join Villa in the Summer despite heavy interest from Palace. Two goals and one assist in his eleven appearances since the move, Guessand has added a bit more South London flair to a side that was otherwise lacking it.
Whilst his absence hasn’t hindered the side in recent weeks, having him back in the squad will only boost the strength and options going into the final few weeks of the campaign.
Glasner on Guessand
In his pre Bournemouth press conference, Glasner provided a positive update on Guessand’s fitness.
“He’s very motivated, working hard in rehab. It’s an aggressive way that he can play a few games for us. He wants this as well, so we want it too.”
It’s been just under a month since the Ivorian hobbled off against Fiorentina in the 3-0 win at Selhurst Park, and with seven games remaining the aim is to have him back involved as soon as possible.
“I’m really confident that he will play a few games for us this season,” Glasner said.
Whilst he confirmed that Guessand would not be available for today’s Premier League game away at Bournemouth, he hinted that the hope is to see him back involved midweek.
“…we hope maybe for the second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk and then, of course, until the end of the season.”
Despite the injury, Palace’s intention to get Guessand fit has been cleared with his parent club Aston Villa.
Signing Guessand permanently is a no brainer
Whilst the Ivorian’s impact hasn’t been mindblowing, he has certainly shown that he possesses the skillset that traditionally goes down well with the Palace faithful.
Flair, pace, and the ability and confidence to take a man on, his introduction to the Palace squad injected a sense of ‘proper’ South London which had been missing since Ebere Eze’s departure last Summer.
On the face of it the move makes sense. Guessand clearly wants to play for Palace, he was the one who pushed his agent to open conversations about a loan move.
At £28 million, the option to trigger a permanent move to Selhurst Park will come at a cost, but when you consider the performances and fee paid for Brennan Johnson, it feels as if Guessand is worth more at a similar fee.
Palace fans will be hoping he can return to the squad and make an impact, with big games still to come.
